New Toyota GR Models Teased, Launches Later This Week

As promised late last year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is set to ramp up its GR performance and sports models range this year, and it seems we may not have long to wait. The firm has teased no less than five models on their website, with said image accompanied by a link to register your interest, plus the date of 17 Feb, thus indicating imminent launch for later this week.

Aptly, despite their dark veil, the silhouette of all five models are unmistakable. We’ll start with the most exciting trio, by which we mean the GR performance models, and they are the new GR Corolla hot-hatch, followed by the new generation GR86 and the larger GR Supra sports coupe duo.

Expect sportier 'GR Sport'-themed grades of the Corolla Cross (left) and Hilux (right) to debut this week.

The remaining two appear to be the Hilux pick-up truck and the Corolla Cross crossover SUV. Unlike the trio of GR performance models mentioned, both these high-riding offerings will likely get treated with sporty new GR Sport trims and perhaps feature new GR-themed aesthetics inside and out – expect things like an aerokit, sportier wheels, exterior graphics, as well as sportier interior trims.

In the case of the Hilux specifically, we can likely expect to see what's similarly offered in the Thai market. In other words, don’t expect the Australia-spec Ranger Raptor rival here just yet.

The new GR Corolla (right) will likely pick-up where the limited GR Yaris (left) left off.

As for the performance models, it’s almost certain that the new GR Corolla will pick up right where its pint-sized sibling the GR Yaris left off. The latter rally racing homologation special saw limited availability in Malaysia at just under 200 units from its global production run of 25,000 units.

Though no global production cap was mentioned, it is likely that the GR Corolla will also see limited allocations in Malaysia, more so if offered in Circuit Edition trim. You can read up about this hot-hatch when it debuted in neighbouring Thailand last year by clicking here.

Also new to the range is the second generation Toyota GR86 sports coupe. The model’s return to the official UMW Toyota models range is welcoming indeed, especially amongst enthusiasts. UMW Toyota offered the last-gen Toyota GT86 from 2012 to 2015, citing its exit down to unfavourable forex rates plus the influx of said model in the local parallel/grey import (recond) cars market at the time.

While it’s time in the official UMW Toyota model range this time around is up for debate still, the fact that UMW Toyota will accommodate it for now is still good news indeed. It means that enthusiasts with the means can still acquire perhaps one of the best-handling lightweight sports coupes around with official after-sales support and warranty included.

Capping things off then is the GR Supra model which, based on what was promised by UMW Toyota prior, will see a 6-speed manual transmission option added. Presently, UMW Toyota offers the BMW Z4-based sports coupe with a sole 3.0-litre straight-six turbo mill plus an 8-speed automatic box pairing, which mirrors closely to its open-top Bavarian roadster twin.

The GR Supra will be offered with a 6-speed MT option soon. Enthusiasts, rejoice!

The arrival of the GR Supra MT is again good news for enthusiasts with the means who seek ultimate driving nirvana through rowing their own gears. No sign on whether UMW Toyota will officially offer the model with its 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill option just yet, but given this variant’s strong presence in the local parallel/grey import (recond) cars market, this seems highly unlikely at this point.

We will have more details on all five as soon as they are officially introduced later this week, which is set to coincide with the start of the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival racing series, which enters its sixth consecutive season this year.

So, which of these GR performance and GR-treated models are you most excited for, then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…